Marking territory?

[kehoffman]

Wondering if anyone has an idea. I just had the 18,000 mile service plus some other items done on my 96 1200. Checking the tire pressures about a week after I got it home, I discovered a small mark on the rear tire and the floor directly under the final drive. It smells of hypoid oil. Since I no longer do any heavy duty wrenching, I am going to take it back down to the dealer on Saturday but would be interested in your thoughts in advance concerning what may be happening. The leak apparently is at the bottom and very close to the hub. Is there a seal there that may need replacing?

[HMB Don]

They might have overfilled the Diff. should only have 180 cc or 6 oz of oil poured into that tiny space. Anymore will cause it to leak.

[ekap1200]

May also be its time to replace the O-rings in the slip-joint , just ahead of the final drive where it connects to the rear of the drive shaft. There is a weep hole right on the bottom of the swing arm where its bolts up and If leaking there will make one think it is the rear drive. Wipe it down clean with a rag wet with mineral spirits, dry it off, and go for a ride if it still sounds and runs down the road the same as always, then look at it again after you get back home... or the shop overfilled it or spilled some as they overfilled it.

[lockwoodjohn]

Hi Everyone,
My '89 FLT Harley Davidson would always mark it's territory where ever and when ever I
parked it!!!!!

lockwoodjohn

[kehoffman]

Well, the determination is in. There seems to be a leak at the far end of the final drive, in a spot that is not easily repaired. I am told the drive assembly would have to removed and sent out to someone equipped with heavier torque wrenches and whatever that my local dealership does not have. It also means a lot of $. I understand that some of the GoldWings have had the same problem and that dropping the lube level a bit alleviates the leak. So we are trying that to see if it will help.

What think ye?

[kehoffman]

After a month +/- of occasional rides and parking on the center stand, the slightly lowered oil level seems to be working. No more trails down the rear tire sidewall or puddles on the floor.
Whew!

[ekap1200]

Glad to hear that Keith, as long as those gears stay wet they will be fine. Guess you have been sweating this one out for the past month. Gene